This book covers the navel battles around Guadalcanal in 1942 and I liked it. Argued to be a key turning point in the Pacific war during world war two this book tries to cover not only the details of the battles but the reasons why events unfolded both on the local tactical level but also at the strategic level. Mr. Hornfischer covers what the admirals on both sides were trying to achieve and what resources, physical and political, they had at their disposal. This book also delves into the after battle situations. It covers amongst other ships the struggles and disposition of selected member of the crew of the CA-38 USS San Francisco during and after the battle of November 13th 1942. The book was well written and pulled you along through the narrative, including the more somber parts. It left me with a better understanding of the complexities in logistics, personal, and personalities that encompasses any historical moment.

This is a clear account of battles and the losses, which were originally kept secret. A little know fact is that in the battles on and around Guadalcanal, the Navy sustained more casualties than the Marines. Occasionally heart wrenching the book sucked me in and only let me go when I had finished.

-Dan H.-